All public records of the department are deemed to be available for public inspection and copying pursuant to these rules, unless the record falls within the specific exemptions of the Public Records Act or other statute which exempts or prohibits disclosure of specific information or records. RCW 42.56.070(1).

The department is not required to retain every record it ever created or used. The department manages their records according to the state government general records retention schedule and the department of natural resources specific records retention schedule. Both schedules are available through the office of the secretary of state.